Independently Owned, Locally Grown, Community Loved
Three artificial intelligence (AI) initiatives are part of council's new budget to be adopted next week. These initiatives are the latest proactive steps from council to help mitigate significant financial pressures while continuing to deliver reliable, high-quality services to the community. Mayor Greg Williamson said the 2026/27 Budget reflected both the challenges facing local government and council’s commitment to modern, efficient service delivery. “Like many councils across the country, we are facing rising costs and reduced external funding,” he said. “Our focus is on finding smarter, more sustainable ways to deliver services without compromising quality for our community.” Council has seen a startling increase in a costs over recent years, including: An additional $665,000 increase in waste service costs due to reduced Queensland Government Waste Levy Subsidy and higher levy fees. A $1.1 million increase in waste expenses in the previous budget. A $5.92 million rise in depreciation costs this year alone. A $6 million shortfall from decreased Federal Assistance Grants in this budget contributing to a total reduction of more than $27 million in Financial Assistance Grants funding since 2016. An estimated $3 million annual increase in fuel costs. These pressures highlight the ongoing challenge of balancing affordability for residents with the real cost of delivering essential services. To help offset these impacts, council is investing in practical, targeted AI solutions that improve efficiency and reduce operating costs. A key initiative is the introduction of a new after-hours digital assistant, LUNA, which will operate from 4.30pm to 8.30am daily and all weekend from July 1. Replacing a previous afterhours model which used an outsourced, third-party call centre, LUNA will provide consistent, auditable responses using council-approved information. It will improve how afterhours calls are triaged, especially urgent and emergency enquiries, and will allow routine requests to be handled without delays or manual intervention. The transition follows changes in the external provider market and is expected to deliver about $80,000 in annual savings, while maintaining service quality and improving response consistency. Mayor Williamson said this initiative demonstrated council’s commitment to innovation while managing costs. “We’re using proven technology to deliver services more efficiently while maintaining the high standard our community expects,” Mayor Williamson said. Council is also expanding AI use in key service areas to address increasing demand and resource constraints. In Development Planning, automation of high-volume, low-complexity administrative tasks will reduce processing backlogs and allow skilled staff to focus on more complex work. A similar outcome will be achieved by using Agentic AI to enhance internal corporate services, allowing council’s staff to tackle more complex issues. This will help council maintain service levels despite workforce and cost pressures. Mayor Williamson said council was adopting a scalable approach to AI, building on existing systems to deliver improvements across multiple service areas rather than one-off solutions. “This approach ensures responsible and sustainable adoption of new technologies,” he said. “By reducing repetitive manual work and improving consistency, we can better manage costs while maintaining strong governance and oversight.” While efficiencies from these initiatives will be realised progressively, council’s immediate focus is on improving reliability, reducing inefficiencies and supporting a sustainable workforce model. These actions form part of council’s broader commitment to ensuring services remain efficient, accountable and future-ready, even as financial pressures continue to grow. Mayor Williamson said innovation would be key to navigating future challenges. “Innovation is essential to navigating the challenges ahead. By investing in smarter ways of working now, we are helping protect the services our community relies on into the future while putting downward pressure on rate rises.” Photo source: Mackay Regional Council
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Set on the elevated hillside of this 21-acre property, the beautifully crafted, fully airconditioned residence enjoys a breathtaking north-facing 27m x 4.2m covered deck, offering ample room for entertaining or peaceful contemplation while taking in the stunning ever-changing vista. A large covered tiled patio adjoins the deck and living area, creating additional outdoor space overlooking the firepit and orchard. The Property At A Glance Spacious open plan living, dining and kitchen area with central fireplace, opening onto two stunning outdoor spaces Modern galley-style kitchen with stone benchtops, induction cooktop, rangehood, pyrolytic self-cleaning oven and dishwasher Media room with projector, with potential to serve as a fourth bedroom Three generous airconditioned bedrooms, including the master suite with walk-in robe and ensuite Modern family bathroom with shower over bath and separate toilet Laundry with excellent storage and external access Airconditioning and ceiling fans throughout North-facing covered hardwood deck, measuring 27m x 4.2m, with stunning views West-facing 9.5m x 6.5m tiled patio overlooking the firepit and plentiful orchard The home is set within a fully fenced house yard, complete with a secure electric front gate at the road. There is an abundance of water across the property, including four dams, a bore with solar-operated submersible pump (not currently connected), three rainwater tanks with a combined capacity of 62,000L, and town water to the residence. Water is also plumbed to the orchard, stables and other areas throughout the property. Additional features include fully covered walkways connecting the carport to the home, wireless NBN and full mobile signal coverage. Infrastructure And Improvements 7m x 7m carport with electric roller door at the home 14m x 7m high-clearance shed with four roller doors and service trench Adjoining 12m x 6m tool shed Stables and pig pens A lush and abundant orchard with avocados, citrus and tropical fruits, along with a well-established beehive Optional machinery includes a Fiat 750 tractor with slasher and rotary hoe, 2000 SE5 backhoe, Hustler 54" zero turn ride-on mower, assorted tools and other plant and equipment. This stunning property is a true gem in the heart of the beautiful Pioneer Valley, offering the opportunity to settle in, relax and enjoy, or get creative and explore the endless possibilities on offer. Gargett is located in the Pioneer Valley, just 15 minutes from the Finch Hatton Mountain Bike Trail and the beautiful Finch Hatton Gorge. The local Gargett Store is only a short drive away, while the nearest shopping centre is 20 minutes to Marian and 50 minutes to Mackay. It is also an easy drive to the Bowen Coal Basin, Airlie Beach and The Whitsundays, with ample opportunities nearby for fishing, crabbing, prawning and boating. Rates: Approx. $1660 per half year Zoning: Rural Price: $1.6M Block Size: 8.88 hectares (21.75 acres) Builder: Brad Kirkpatrick, 2015
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Makinex Renewables is setting an ambitious target, saving 100 million litres of diesel in five years. In an industry long reliant on traditional diesel generators, the Australian-made and owned company is helping reshape how remote and off-grid operations power their sites. Focused on Hybrid Power Systems, Battery Energy Storage Systems and deployable solar arrays, Makinex Renewables is working with customers to lower fuel costs, reduce emissions and improve operational efficiency, while maintaining the dependable power their operations require. “The 100 million litre target gives us a clear and measurable objective to work towards while highlighting the impact renewable energy solutions can have across industries that traditionally rely on diesel power,” the company said. “It’s a goal that keeps us focused on developing practical solutions that deliver real-world results for our customers.” Designed for businesses operating in remote environments, Makinex Renewables’ modular systems can be deployed as standalone units, integrated together, or incorporated into existing site power setups. The company’s solutions are already delivering measurable results in mining. Following a trial installation, a mine site adopted Makinex Renewables’ Hybrid Power System and additional solar arrays, reducing generator runtime from 24 hours a day to approximately six to seven hours. Since the HPS45 was deployed in February, the site has cut generator fuel use by 125 litres a day, delivering annual diesel savings of around $91,000 and projected savings of $640,000 over the site’s seven-year life. Brad Cliff, Director of Generator Services Australia, said the project highlighted the benefits of continuing to challenge traditional ways of thinking and finding better solutions to longstanding industry challenges. To learn more about Makinex Renewables’ solutions, visit the team at the Queensland Mining and Engineering Exhibition in July.
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Most Reverend Daniel Meagher, the 11th Bishop of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Rockhampton, made his first visit to St Patrick's College on Wednesday, beginning the day alongside students and staff at the College's Brekky Van outreach service. The visit provided an opportunity for Bishop Daniel to experience the College's commitment to living its Catholic values through service to the wider community before officiating the blessing and official opening of newly completed building and refurbishment works. During the ceremony, Bishop Daniel addressed those in attendance. “We really are here to pray and bless the students and teachers who will use the buildings,” he said. The redevelopment has delivered contemporary learning spaces designed to support learning, wellbeing and faith formation while reflecting the College's commitment to providing high-quality educational opportunities. Assistant Principal: Mission, Mrs Andrea Crocker, said the occasion was a proud moment for the College community. “We’re finally getting to showcase our wonderful new facilities and the way the hard work of so many different people has come to fruition,” she said. The blessing and opening marked the culmination of years of planning and investment, with the new facilities set to benefit Mercy Campus students for years to come. Photo supplied
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The Whitsundays Chamber of Commerce and Industry is excited to unveil a bold new vision for the Whitsundays, developed with input from over 130 members of the local business community. This visionary project outlines an economic blueprint set to guide the region’s growth over the next two to three decades.
According to Chamber President Allan Milostic, “Our region is on the verge of significant change. With a united vision crafted by and for the business community, we can effectively advocate, shape policy, and drive meaningful progress.”
The research, completed late last year, offers a glimpse into the Whitsundays' future. Bowen is set to lead in agriculture, aquaculture, and heavy marine industries, while Collinsville will advance in mining technology and heritage tourism. Proserpine will become a vibrant hub, seamlessly connecting with Cannonvale and Airlie Beach, while Cannonvale will evolve into a well-planned residential area. Airlie Beach is expected to emerge as a premier Southern Hemisphere tourist destination with expanded attractions, including a convention centre and a vibrant arts precinct.
Research uncovered diverse perspectives and challenges within the business community.
Each district within the Whitsundays has unique needs and visions, making it challenging to forge a unified future. Chamber has identified four immediate priorities for success: enhanced political leadership, strategic economic development, infrastructure investment, and education and workforce evolution.
Milostic emphasized that this journey is just beginning, with regular updates and insights to be released as the vision unfolds. The Vision for the Whitsundays remains an independent, apolitical initiative aimed at fostering growth and innovation in the region.
Contributed with thanks to Julia Evans Chamber Liaison of Whitsundays Chamber of Commerce & Industry.
One of the most common financial steps people go through involves buying a new family home which is of a better standard than their last one. This is a natural progression as people settle into careers, have more disposable income and build families.
Often people decide to keep the previous property as an investment and use the rental income to assist with repaying the larger debt and building wealth. There is a trap with this scenario that can lead to a poor taxation outcome, and effectively make repaying the debt take significantly longer due to the limited assistance from the tax man.
The issue is whether the interest on a loan is tax deductible or not. If you are earning between $45,000 and $135,000 and are paying 32% as your marginal tax rate, roughly a third of your interest is covered by the tax man if your debt is tax deductible. If you are borrowing at, say 6% for both your non-tax-deductible home loan and your tax-deductible rental property loan, you are effectively only paying 4% on the rental property loan after tax. The more of your debt that is allowed to be claimed as tax deductible the better. In this scenario it’s important you separate the debts so you can easily identify the interest and what you are paying off each debt. Ideally you want to pay off the non-tax-deductible debt first before moving on to the tax-deductible debt.
Contrary to what many people think, the key to whether a loan’s interest is tax deductible or not is not which property is used to secure the loan. The key is what the money was used to purchase when the loan was drawn down and not which property the bank takes a mortgage over. Generally, the family home doesn’t produce income and therefore loans used to purchase Principal Places of Residence are not tax deductible even if you used equity in the old home to borrow. Loans for rental properties or shares generally are tax deductible and therefore minimising the loan required to buy the new family home and consequently increasing the investment loan makes sense. Often selling the old home, maximising the cash deposit on the new home and using the equity to borrow to buy a new investment makes more sense. As always the devil is in the detail and it needs careful analysis of sale and purchase costs and each person’s tax situation to make the right decision.
There are several strategies that can be used to decrease non-deductible debt and replace it with deductible debt and investments, and a range of flexible lending products to assist. As always seeking the advice of a knowledgeable Financial Adviser, Accountant and Mortgage Broker is advisable.
For a free consultation with local people who understand the complexities of these or any other financial matter, contact Eclipse Financial Planning at Cannonvale on 49467359 today or visit www.eclipsefp.com.au
This month’s Ask An Expert with the Whitsundays Chamber of Commerce and Industry asks:
How do I manage staff that bring their personal issues to work?
Chamber member, Judy Porter from Shiift, responded.
We are kidding ourselves if we still believe people “park their emotions at the door”. Post Covid sees a very different workforce which requires flexibility, compassion, and ‘humancy’ more than ever.
Every team-member in the workplace is affected daily by external and internal variables. Good leaders who know their team-members well enough will know which variable may be negatively impacting them.
Having strong workplace relationships means you can step into this space respectfully and start the conversation that is needed. Take your team-member aside to a confidential space so they can safely share current challenges. Stay curious, non-judgemental and listen respectfully.
Supporting your team-members through daily challenges builds trust and respect and creates a very strong, committed, happy and productive workplace culture. Having difficult discussions is of great benefit to all – leaders can strengthen workplace relationships, and team-member feel valued.
Beware of compassion fatigue which is the result of sitting in someone else’s problems with empathy and being overwhelmed because you cannot fix the problem for them. We need to engage empathic concern – the capacity to understand someone’s situation and step into an action-oriented outcome for them.
However, we all have our strengths and weaknesses when it comes to communication. If you don’t feel confident having these conversations the minimal duty of care is to point your team-member in the right direction of support by providing contact numbers for Lifeline, Beyond Blue or your Employee Assistance Program (EAP) if you have one.
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The Whitsundays are about to be the centre of Australia’s foodservice industry as suppliers from across the country descend upon our stunning region for the Whitsunday Foodservice Trade Show.
This year’s event is set to be bigger and better than ever, with over 75 suppliers and more than 150 industry professionals showcasing an impressive array of products tailored for Whitsunday Foodservice’s diverse customer base. Whether you’re running a pub, café, restaurant, or even a food van, this is your chance to explore the latest and greatest in foodservice offerings.
Patrick Morrissey, General Manager of Whitsunday Foodservice, is excited about the opportunities this Trade Show brings. “This is a fantastic platform for suppliers to introduce both new and beloved products to our customers. It’s not just about selling—it's about sparking conversations, inspiring ideas, and helping our customers find exactly what they need to elevate their businesses,” he said.
The Trade Show promises something for everyone, with suppliers catering to a wide range of sectors including hospitality, healthcare, education, and more.
“Our customers come from all walks of life—pubs, takeaways, schools, aged care facilities, and beyond. We’re proud to be a one-stop shop, and this event highlights the incredible variety we offer,” Patrick added.
Beyond the business of foodservice, the event is poised to make a significant economic impact on the local community. With an expected influx of over $500,000, the Trade Show is set to benefit the Whitsundays in more ways than one.
“We’ve got 150 suppliers staying in town for the week, engaging with our local businesses and teams. It’s a much-needed boost outside the typical tourist season, and we’re proud to play a role in supporting the local economy,” Patrick emphasised.
While the event is business-focused, it’s also going to be a day of fun and excitement. Attendees can look forward to cash giveaways, amazing prizes, and a major prize draw at 12:30pm. To win, make sure to register via the Whitsunday Foodservice website and be present at the event.
The prizes this year are nothing short of spectacular. Imagine a luxurious reef sleep for two with Cruise Whitsundays, a lavish two-night stay on Hayman Island, or the grand prize—a trip for two to the prestigious Tuttofood International Food Exhibition in Milan, Italy!
“This Trade Show is a rare gem in North Queensland and especially in the Whitsundays. It’s a unique opportunity for our customers to engage with top suppliers and experience the best our industry has to offer. It’s going to be a fantastic day filled with great food, valuable connections, and happy customers,” said Patrick.
Don’t miss out on North Queensland’s biggest foodservice event!
• WHAT: Whitsunday Foodservice 2nd Trade Show
• WHERE: Whitsunday Foodservice - 25 Galbraith Park Drive, Cannonvale
• WHEN: Saturday 24th August, 9am-1:30pm
• OPEN TO: Registered account customers and prospective customers via www.whitsundayfoodservice.com.au
Whitsunday Foodservice last Trade Show, Photo supplied
One of the Festival’s marquee events is the Big Book Club High Tea, featuring acclaimed authors Sally Hepworth and Kirsty Manning, and hosted by Karina Kilmore.
SALLY HEPWORTH, a New York Times bestselling author with nine novels and over a million copies sold worldwide, is beloved by readers everywhere.
KIRSTY MANNING, known for her internationally acclaimed historical novels, has captivated audiences across continents, with her works translated into multiple languages and adapted for various media.
Journalist and author, KARINA KILMORE will be hosting the event. She is the Chair of the Australian Crime Writers Association who have recently shortlisted Sally’s Darling Girls for the 2024 Best Crime Fiction.
Festival President Karen Jacobsen expressed her excitement “We are thrilled to welcome Sally and Kirsty to our Festival’s Big Book Club High Tea. They are two talented authors, and their infectious camaraderie promises an afternoon filled with laughter and insight into their journey to literary success.”
For the event, Sally and Kirsty have selected the books they will discuss, sharing their inspiration, writing journey, and key themes explored in The Soulmate and Darling Girls by Sally Hepworth, and The Paris Mystery and The Hidden Book by Kirsty Manning.
WHAT: Big Book Club High Tea
WHEN: 3:15pm-4:45pm Saturday 7 September
WHERE: My Rainbow Bakery, Shingley Beach
REGISTRATION: Standard $109 and Concession $89 includes My Rainbow Bakery’s famous High Tea of house-made savoury treats, sweets, and scones with English Breakfast Tea. Select coffee, soft drinks, and alcoholic beverages available for purchase. Tickets available from www.whitsundayswriters.com
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Living in North Queensland before the internet and after the internet are two vastly different experiences; not dissimilarly to before and after a pandemic. In fact, many of the committee members who have worked to create the 2024 Whitsundays Writers Festival are new residents, passionate about creating a greater arts presence.
To our delight, there is a palpable excitement in the community for the arrival of our award-winning authors, and the opportunity to highlight and feature what we have discovered is a significant number of local authors living in the Whitsundays. We are fortunate to be able to build on previous festivals, and thank the committees and volunteers of those events from seven years ago.
The written word has the potential to transform lives. Reading can entertain us, educate us, give us an alternate point of view to consider, and it can deeply connect us with each other. This is my wish for our lovingly and consciously designed event; that we might as a community have our minds opened and share three memorable days of thoughtful experiences that enrich our lives.
Whether you are a reader, writer, audio book listener or someone who wishes you made more time to pick up the books on your shelf, we welcome you to join us for the 2024 Whitsundays Writers Festival. We know we live in the most beautiful location in the world, and presenting a three-day cultural event of this kind is a perfect match. On behalf of the 2024 committee, thank you.
Contributed with thanks to Karen Jacobsen
Karen Jacobsen, President of the Whitsundays Writers Festival
The Love Letter to Queensland event – 6:30pm-9pm Thursday 5 September, Coral Sea Resort, Airlie Beach – will feature a stimulating lineup of notable speakers, each presenting their own love letters to Queensland, offering a diverse array of perspectives and experiences.
Guest speakers include:
• MARCO RENAI awarded 2024 Queenslander of the Year for his impactful work with at-risk young men.
• ELIZABETH HACKETT known for her significant contributions to the tourism industry and the Whitsunday Skyway project.
• DR CHRIS SARRA CEO of the Office of First Nations Engagement and Innovation, leading initiatives for youth engagement within Queensland.
• DR MELISSA ASHLEY celebrated academic and award-winning author of historical fiction novels.
• ANDREW WILLCOX MP Federal Member for Dawson will announce and read the winning Love Letter to Queensland community writing competition entries who will receive shopping vouchers for Adult and Under 12 Divisions.
• KAREN JACOBSEN Whitsunday Writers Festival President, international speaker, concert artist and songwriter, author, and the voice behind over a billion GPS and smartphone devices.
The Love Letter to Queensland event and writing competition is being coordinated by the Whitsundays Writers Festival and proudly supported by James Cook University’s Roderick Centre for Australian Literature and Creative Writing and the Whitsunday Regional Council through their Community Assistance Grant program.
WHAT: Love Letter to Queensland event
WHEN: 6:30pm-9:00pm Thursday 6 September 2024
WHERE: Coral Sea Resort ballroom, Airlie Beach
REGISTRATION: Standard $49 and Concession $39 including light supper and two drink vouchers followed by a cash bar from www.whitsundayswriters.com
The Festival is deeply grateful for the following for their support:
Major Festival Partners – Beach Book Boutique, Whitsunday Sailing Club, Blue Peace Enterprises, Roderick Centre for Australian Literature and Creative Writing, Proserpine Wind Farm, and KB Design.
Friends of the Festival – Airlie Beach Music Centre, Amanda Camm MP, Coastal Food Design, Cruise Whitsundays, Just Tuk’n Around, Kapow Interactive, McDonald’s Restaurants, Melinda Louise Media, Plants Whitsundays, Queensland Writers Centre, Ray White Whitsunday, Tassal, The Prickly Pineapple, TP Styling and Events, and Wilmar Sugar & Renewables.
Accommodation Partners – Airlie Apartments, BIG4 Adventure Whitsunday Resort, Heart Hotel and Gallery, Mantra Club Croc, Pinnacles Airlie Beach, Shingley Beach Resort, Toscana Village Resort, and The Boathouse Apartments.
Tickets are available online from www.whitsundayswriters.com or hello@whitsundayswriters.com
FRIDAY 6 SEPTEMBER
Venue: Whitsunday Sailing Club
9:00am Festival opening
9:20am-10:30am The Art and Joy of Storytelling with Chris Sarra, Joy Damousi, Garry Disher, and Graeme Simsion.
11:00am-12:00pm Cops and Robbers: Writing and reading crime fiction and thrillers with Anne Buist, Garry Disher, Karina Kilmore, Jack Roney, Lindsay Simpson and facilitator Harry Colfer.
12:23pm-1:15pm Meet our Featured Local Authors at Beach Book Boutique
1:30pm-2:30pm Responsible writing? Stories about people, relationships, the world and possible ramifications with Anne Buist, Sally Hepworth, Christos Tsiolkas, and facilitator Karina Kilmore.
2:35pm-3:30pm Spotlight On: Writing craft, from first draft to final manuscript, facilitated by Monique van Tulder.
4:00pm-5:00pm From Quills to Code: Is artificial intelligence revolutionising or ruining the future of creative writing? with Melissa Ashley, Joy Damousi, Graeme Simsion, and facilitator Lindsay Simpson.
5:00pm-6:30pm Poetry Karaoke, step up the mic and share your verses.
SATURDAY 7 SEPTEMBER
Venue: Whitsunday Sailing Club
9am Welcome
9:10am-9:40am From the Heart: The inaugural Annual Festival Address by Shankari Chandran.
9:40am-10:00am Whitsundays Literary Heart Awards Announcements and readings with Festival President, Karen Jacobsen.
10:30am-11:30am Adaptation: From page to stage to screen with Nick Earls, Sally Hepworth, Graeme Simsion, Christos Tsiolkas, and facilitator Lindsay Simpson.
11:30am-12:30pm Spotlight On: Research and Bringing Authenticity to Fiction with Melissa Ashley, Nick Earls, Kristy Manning, and facilitator Jack Roney.
1:30pm-2:30pm Hour of Power, Meet and greet book signing session with program speakers and Featured Local Authors
Venue: My Rainbow Bakery
3:15pm-4:45pm Big Book Club High Tea featuring Sally Hepworth and Kirsty Manning, hosted by Karina Kilmore.
Venue: Whispers Bar at Mirage Whitsunday
5:00pm-6:30pm Saturday Sundowner event.
SUNDAY 8 SEPTEMBER
Venue: Whitsunday Sailing Club
9:00am-10:00am Concurrent sessions:
• Ask Me About: Having the courage to share your story, with Festival Vice President Melinda Louise Hutchings and Rachael Smith.
• Ask Me About: Writing for personal and professional development, with Festival President Karen Jacobsen and Monique van Tulder.
• Memoir workshop with Lindsay Simpson.
10:30am-11:30am Concurrent sessions:
• New Release Showcase, hosted by Richard Evans with our Featured Local Authors and guests.
• Ask Me About: Traditional, hybrid, and self-publishing with Jack Roney and Julia Evans.
• Memoir workshop (continued) with Lindsay Simpson.
Venue: Whitsunday Marine Club
12:30pm-2:30pm Local Author Long Lunch showcasing the writing journey of some of our Featured Local Authors.
The Whitsundays Writers Festival provided several opportunities for young writers to nurture their creative writing talents and present their works in competition.
The Love Letter to Queensland community writing competition sought 300-word entries in Adult, Under 18 and Under 12 divisions with winners taking home shopping vouchers for $500, $250 and $200 across the respective categories. Winners and high commended entries will be announced by Andrew Willcox MP, at the Love Letter to Queensland special event on Thursday 5 September.
One of the categories of the Festival’s Whitsundays Literary Heart Awards is the Best Short Story for Under 18 division celebrating original short stories of creative fiction.
Four young Whitsunday writers have been shortlisted for the award and are in the running to win $1000 for first prize and $500 for the runner up.
In his submission, Riley Cousen from Mackay State High School said that he likes writing about crime and has been writing for a little while now. The synopsis for his story, The Dirty Dealer is I climbed to the top of the building... I steadied my gun... I fired...
Framed, by Proserpine State High School student Myka Kelly, is a story about a secret agent for a dangerous company who is sent on a mission to watch a teenager. Along the way she is confronted by her past. Myka has been writing for as long as she can remember, and she really loves writing narratives about crime.
My Mother’s Betrayal, by Mila Kronk, is a story about when a girl, bored of her reality, unknowingly is shown a snippet of the future, she tries to ignore the strange occurrences she notices afterwards. In her submission, Mila shared that she wanted to challenge herself and try to create her own plot. She found it was difficult – Mila didn't know how it was going to end, and because of this she rewrote the same story so many times, each time getting closer to the result.
Alessa Penglase-Fortunato, for ever since she can remember, has loved the thrill of picking up a pen and paper and being able to transport herself and others into an entirely different world. At the early age of seven, Alessa published her first ever short story in an anthology after participating in a workshop. From then on, she has shown a deep passion about writing and hopes to inspire others through storytelling and art and continue my journey in writing. Her submission, Unspoken Words, where grieving the loss of her sister, Avery finds comfort and forgiveness in her sister's ghost.
The awards sought submissions from around Australia of up to 3,000 words of unpublished creative fiction stories. The winner will be announced Saturday 7 September.
This year, Festival launched the Whitsundays Literary Heart Awards, offering $10,000 in cash prizes to recognise and honour outstanding contributions to the literary and design landscape.
The Heart Awards’ mission is to spotlight the diverse talents within the Australian creative community while also paying homage to the Whitsunday’s Heart Reef.
Festival President Karen Jacobsen expressed enthusiasm for the awards program, “We believe in celebrating the richness of Australian creativity in all its forms. The Whitsundays Literary Heart Awards are a testament to our commitment to nurturing creativity.”
The Heart Awards comprise four distinct categories:
• The Gloria Burley Award for Best Unpublished Manuscript,
• The Published Book Cover Design Award
• Best Short Story Award (adult and under 18 years old divisions)
• Poetry Prize.
Gloria Burley was the driving force in the establishment of the Whitsunday Writers Festival, which ran 2010-17. She penned two books titled A Rolling Stone Gathers No Husbands, chronicled many of her travels, and Blood & Guts that sums up her exploits as a nurse in regional Australia. Gloria passed away from cancer in 2018.
“What better way to recognise the Gloria’s legacy than initiate a creative writing award named in her honour,” said Karen.
Both long and shortlists of finalists have been announced ahead of the festival. Winners will be announced 9am-10am Saturday 7 September at the Whitsunday Sailing Club.
WHAT: Whitsundays Literary Heart Awards announcement
WHERE: Whitsunday Sailing Club, Airlie Beach
REGISTRATION: Session only tickets start from $21 from www.whitsundayswriters.com
As economic pressures mount, regional festivals like the Whitsundays Writers Festival face the challenge of maintaining quality while cutting costs. Complaints about the lack of government and community support are growing in regional towns, but there’s a simple solution: buy a ticket. Even if you can’t attend, your purchase can help pay it forward, allowing someone else to experience the event.
Supporting arts and culture doesn’t require grand gestures; it’s as easy as buying a ticket. This small act can make a significant difference, ensuring that festivals like ours and others continue to enrich the cultural fabric of our community. Culture matters, and by supporting it, we show that we matter too.
So, take that step today—purchase a ticket, encourage your friends, and be part of the positive change. Together, we can ensure that arts and culture events and festivals thrive for years to come.
Earlier this year The Whitsundays Writers Festival excitedly announced Beach Book Boutique as its official Festival Bookshop.
Established in September 2015, Airlie Beach’s iconic independent bookstore overlooks the expansive lagoon. It offers new releases and second-hand books in-store and online, including their unique book exchange for new and high-quality recycled books.
Beach Book Boutique’s owner Belinda Harris is very excited for the festival:
“We are looking forward to having a great weekend with the festival, meeting like-minded people and some amazing authors – including our local writers!”
The Beach Book Boutique will offer a curated selection of titles from both the esteemed speakers at the festival and notable local authors. In addition to providing a diverse array of books, the Boutique will host engaging meet-and-greet sessions and book signings, giving attendees the opportunity to interact with their favourite authors.
For added convenience, a smaller branch of the bookshop will be set up at various Festival venues, ensuring that festival-goers have easy access to their favourite reads and can participate in the exciting book-related events throughout the festival.
“We are thrilled to be partnering with Belinda and Beach Book Boutique as our official Festival Bookshop. The festival is committed to engaging local businesses and to showcasing what the Whitsundays has to offer,” said Festival President, Karen Jacobsen.
Beach Book Boutique is a hub for local authors and books about the Whitsundays, offering regular book signings and promotional activities throughout the year.
Beach Book Boutique selected as official festival book shop.
Closing the Festival on Sunday 8 September will be the Local Author Long, celebrating the writing journeys of some of the Festival’s Featured Local Authors.
Over lunch, the following authors will discuss their diverse genres, careers, and connections to the Whitsundays:
• RACHEL ARMSTRONG award winning North Queensland contemporary romantic fiction author.
• LORIE BRINK Townsville local and writes action-adventure books, with her debut novel to be launched at the festival.
• HARRY COLFER a critical care paramedic who has published a murder-mystery, two action-adventure thrillers, and a collection of short stories.
• A.L. TIPPETT wrote her first novel at twelve and now writes urban fantasy novels, with one featuring Bowen’s Big Mango.
• MONIQUE VAN TULDER is a Shute Harbour resident lifestyle and travel writer, telling the stories of women doing inspiring things, in fascinating places.
“We have fourteen local authors joining the festival, each with their own amazing, distinct creative talents. We can’t wait for Festival attendees to meet them and discover their stories,” said Karen.
During the Festival, attendees can meet all the Featured Local Authors, including Sandy Clark, Richard Evans, Melinda Louise Hutchings, Karen Jacobsen, Jo Nightingale, Glynda Joy Parfitt, Bec Russell, Joab Russo, and Peter Utber.
This event is supported by Bendigo Community Bank Cannonvale-Proserpine and the Regional Arts Development Fund (a partnership between Queensland Government and Whitsunday Regional Council).
WHAT: Local Author Long Lunch
WHEN: 12:30pm-2:30pm Sunday 8 September 2024
WHERE: Whitsunday Marine Club, Cannonvale
REGISTRATION: Standard $109 and Concession $89 includes light lunch and two drink vouchers, and a cash bar from www.whitsundayswriters.com
Headlining this year’s festival is Shankari Chandran, winner of the prestigious 2023 Miles Franklin Literary Award for Chai Time at Cinnamon Gardens.
Shankari’s journey is as captivating as her writing. Raised in Canberra, she spent a transformative decade in London, where she worked as a lawyer dedicated to social justice. Upon returning to Australia, Shankari shifted her focus from legal advocacy to the art of storytelling. Through her writing, she delves into themes of dispossession and the quest for community; crafting narratives that resonate with profound insight and empathy. Her work not only reflects her rich personal experiences but also contributes significantly to contemporary literary discussions on identity and belonging.
Joining Shankari, Sally Hepworth, Kirsty Manning, and Karina Kilmore are several other highly regarded, award-winning Australian authors:
• ANNE BUIST Chair of Women’s Mental Health at the University of Melbourne and author of the Natalie King crime fiction series and psychological thrillers like The Glass House.
• CHRISTOS TSIOLKAS Melbourne-based author of nine novels including The Slap, Barracuda, and Damascus, and a winner of multiple prestigious literary awards.
• GARRY DISHER Award-winning crime writer known for titles such as Day’s End and Sanctuary.
• GRAEME SIMSION author of the acclaimed The Rosie Project, which has sold over five million copies and is set for a Hollywood adaptation.
• JACK RONEY former police officer and author known for his authentic and gripping crime fiction.
• JOY DAMOUSI distinguished historian and Dean of Arts at the Australian Catholic University.
• MELISSA ASHLEY award-winning writer, poet, and academic, known for her novel The Birdman’s Wife.
• NICK EARLS author of 28 books, with multiple adaptations for theatre and film, including 48 Shades of Brown and Perfect Skin.
Their participation solidifies the Whitsundays Writers Festival as a must-attend literary event, marking a significant cultural moment.
WHAT: Whitsundays Writers Festival
WHEN: Friday 6-8 September 2024
WHERE: Main venue Whitsunday Sailing Club, Airlie Beach
REGISTRATION: Session only tickets start from $21 from www.whitsundayswriters.com
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